India, Oct. 19 -- Katie Boulter's first-round match at the Japan Women's Open was stopped because of heavy rain in Osaka on Monday. The British tennis player was playing against Japanese wildcard entrant Himeno Sakatsume when the weather forced both players off the court.

The rain caused problems on the third day of the tournament. The WTA 250 event began over the weekend, but Boulter had to wait until Monday to begin her campaign. The match was interrupted shortly after it started because the venue did not have a roof to protect the court from the rain, according to the Daily Express.

Officials announced that play would be suspended for at least an hour. Spectators were also asked to leave the stands as heavy rain disrupted the match. ...